live music

Join the Community Folk Art Center for A Journey Through Music of the African Diaspora (JMAD).

Get Tickets

The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) celebrates Black History Month with ” A Tribute to Donny Hathaway & Friends”. This captivating evening will feature musical tributes to legends such as Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, and Lalah Hathaway. The headlining act, Keeiis Productions (Samuel T. Wynn), will be joined by talented performers including Donna Lee, Duane Davis, Jada Brown, UAD, Burnell Reid, Daquan Bowens, Keith White, and John Heard. Join us on Friday, February 16th, doors open at 6:30 PM In the CFAC Black Box Theater located at 805 E. Genesee St. General admission is $25.00. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Please direct questions to cfac@syr.edu .

During this Black History Month, CFAC is thrilled to revamp the “A Journey Through Music of the African Diaspora” Series (JMAD). Originating in 2012, this series celebrates Black performing artists while enlightening audiences about the rich history of music. The local artists participating in this musical medley will not only showcase Donny Hathaway as an iconic soul musician but also shed light on his experiences with mental health and inequality, placing them at the forefront of the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s. As Donny Hathaway wisely expressed, “Life is a journey, and music is the soundtrack that accompanies us along the way.”

Meet The Artist

Samuel T. Wynn is a highly accomplished professional pianist, keyboardist, and vocalist, with a musical journey that traces back to his childhood. Proficient in Jazz Swing, R&B, and Gospel genres, he has established a robust foundation in these musical realms. In the 1980s, Samuel showcased his talent by performing alongside renowned groups from the 1950s such as the Sherrells, Coasters, and the Drifters. Additionally, he shared the stage with R&B luminaries James Ingram and Freddy Jackson. During this period, his passion for Jazz flourished, leading him to pursue formal education at the Eastman Conservatory for Music in Rochester, NY, and the Metropolitan School for the Arts in Syracuse, NY. Previously, Samuel served as the musical director for the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, showcasing his leadership and artistic skills. Currently, he thrives as a freelance artist, contributing his musical talents to CNY Jazz events. Samuel draws inspiration from iconic figures such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and George Duke, further enriching his musical repertoire.